Good governance advocate and populist politician, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he called its extravagance amid hunger and the masses’ suffering.
Ambassador Ajadi, a Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), who voiced the criticism in a release on Sunday, August 4, 2024, described the president’s attitude as insensitive to the people’s plight.
He particularly highlighted the allocation of 21 billion Naira for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence and another 70 billion Naira expenditure on luxury SUVs for National Assembly members as examples of fiscal irresponsibility.
According to him, even if such provisions were duly provided for in the books, the prevailing economic situation in the country should have advised the president better.
“I find it unacceptable that a president elected to cater to the welfare of the people could approve such staggering amounts for projects that do not have a direct bearing on the masses’ improved welfare.
“Elected Nigerian officials already have a level of comfort; it is the masses, the common people who are suffering stress in the economy.
“The president should have prioritized welfare programs or people- policies ahead of everything else,” Ambassador Ajadi said.
As Nigeria grapples with rising hunger and unemployment, many citizens are questioning the promises made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his campaign. The situation has been exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies, which the president once criticized as a form of corruption under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Tinubu’s campaign was marked by strong condemnations of Jonathan’s administration, particularly regarding corruption and fuel subsidies. Yet, with the subsidy now removed, many Nigerians feel that the promised improvements have not materialized.
Ambassador Ajadi, among others, has highlighted the stark contrast between Tinubu’s campaign promises and the current realities. Despite the removal of subsidies, hunger continues to rise, and the government’s response has been largely dismissive. The situation is further aggravated by non-functioning refineries and unreliable electricity supply. There is growing frustration over the inadequate education system and the embezzlement of retirement funds, which are robbing future generations of opportunities.
Ambassador Ajadi also criticized the lack of transparency in government spending and called for greater accountability in the management of public funds, emphasizing the need for prudent fiscal policies amidst economic uncertainties.
Making reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on the ongoing hunger strike, Ajadi submitted that the president fell short of expectations.
He said not only was the president’s address reactionary, but it even failed to make tangible promises that addressed the issues.
According to Ajadi, the president should engage the youths issue by issue, and not merely appeal for them to stop protesting.
“I am deeply saddened by the unrest in some states and the tragic loss of lives,” the president said. “This is welcome, but after that, what next?” Ajadi rhetorically queried.
Ajadi also acknowledged the government’s efforts at stabilizing the economy but expressed skepticism regarding its commitment to delivering on those promises. “The best way for the government to show seriousness to those affirmations is by action,” he said.
On directly supporting the people in overcoming current economic hardships, he said: “If there is a time to talk about palliatives it is now. Not tokens but tangible things that address the challenges of the people. There are enough resources in the land to go around.”
“The Tinubu administration should come up with a program of action to address poverty, high cost of living, and infrastructure, for example. It is not too much to ask for in a country so blessed,” Ajadi submitted.
Ambassador Ajadi referenced a viral video where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu criticized Jonathan’s regime:
“Those who have the power to improve our situation for the good of all of us instead choose to make things better for themselves, their comfort, and their families. Cronyism prevails. Today, our rulers in Abuja removed the subsidy despite our protests. As hunger increases, their response is indifference: ‘So what.’ When we point out that unemployment is a cause, they acknowledge it but do nothing. When asked why people are hungry, they heartlessly say, ‘Let them face death.’
“We have had enough of excuses. Our people have had enough of having nothing. Refineries are not functioning, and the electricity supply is unreliable. They are stealing from our children’s future by failing to provide a good education. They continue to embezzle the retirement funds of hardworking Nigerians.”
Ajadi further mentioned another viral video showing a member of the House of Representatives proposing that the salaries of the president, vice president, and members of the House of Representatives should be reduced. He emphasized that this measure is necessary to prevent the ongoing protests from escalating.
Addressing the Speaker of the House, the member urged that the president, vice president, ministers, governors, and all members of the National Assembly should take a salary cut. He argued that this would help provide short-term relief to curb hunger and economic hardships.
“If we do so, Nigerians will decline the protest,” the member of the House of Representatives stated.
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